Nonstick cookware sets utilize a range of different materials to provide the best possible results. Hard anodized aluminum, while a bit more expensive than similar choices, is one such material. The electronically-hardened metal is durable, provides great heat transfer, doesn’t warm and resists general
corrosion.
There are more than a few hard anodized nonstick options on the market, but few of them have the reliability or features of the T-Fal Ultimate.
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An Incredibly Versatile Set
The T-Fal Ultimate set comes with 12 pieces. You get a 1-quart saucepan, 2-quart saucepan, 3-quart saucepan, 5-quart saucepan, 8-inch fry pan, 10.25-inch fry pan, and 2 nylon tools. Add on the four tight-fitting lids and you get a lot of options here.
Having a range of different pieces is great because it means you’ll be able to cook up all of your favorite dishes without needing to go out and get more equipment.
The Dutch oven (complete with lid) solid spoon and slotted spatula are especially nice. Though they aren’t must-have equipment, extra options go a long way. Many premium sets don’t come with enough. You won’t have that problem here.
Built to Last
Of course, it would be impossible to discuss the T-Fal Ultimate without breaking down the hardy aluminum coating. Durability is the set’s main draw and it passes the test with excellent marks.
The aluminum forms a protective layer that is much stronger than the original metal. That durability not only makes the pans much more resistant to general wear and tear, but it enables them to resist general corrosion as well.
Backing that incredible aluminum is the T-Fal’s nonstick coating. The scratch-resistant interior works like a dream, repelling all food thrown at it. That makes for an easy clean up and turns even the sloppiest of meals into a mess-free experience.
If you’re looking for a set you don’t have to fight with to clean, this is a great choice. It is also perfect for cooks who like to use heavy-duty utensils or for busy kitchens where accidents are more common.
Quality All the Way Through
All of the dishwasher-safe pieces in the T-Fal Ultimate set have the hard-anodized exterior. That is then backed by the TechnoResist Anti-Warp base to give you cookware that will be around for years and years.
In addition, all of the lids are made of oven-safe glass up that can be used up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While some people may lament that the lids are only for the pots and not the saucepans, they work extremely well thanks to their excellent ventilation system.
The tempered glass is see-through as well. That means, no matter how much your food steams, you will be able to easily keep an eye on it as it cooks. No losing heat just to see where your sauce is at.
Such quality materials work alongside the strong construction to provide a feel that similar cookware sets simply do not have.
Getting a Good Grip
Another strong aspect of this set are the excellent handles. The pans come with silicone grips that, rather than being stuck on, are directly riveted onto the pots and pans for maximum durability.
The handles feel great to the touch and never get hot. There’s almost zero heat transfer here, which allows you to operate your stove without gloves or mitts.
Soft and comfortable, the grips ensure you won’t slip or drop your food when moving around a busy stovetop.
They even have built-in end holes that allow them to be hung up on hooks for easy storage.
Bring the Heat
There are many reasons to purchase the T-Fal Ultimate. However, one feature that stands out above all others is the way it handles and utilizes heat. This set comes with a unique heat mastery system that ensures all of your meals, regardless of size or content, cook evenly. It does that by utilizing three different elements (nonstick coating, anti-warping materials and a thermo spot indicator) to bring your cooking to the next level.
All three parts of the system work well together, but the thermo spot indicator is the most important. Every pot and pan in the set comes with a special spot in the center that lets you know when the pan is ready to go. To do that, the ring around the middle circle turns a bright red when your equipment reaches the
perfect cooking temperature. In the same way you would preheat an oven, this step is vital because it traps in flavor and ensures your food cooks evenly.
Each piece in the set also has wonderful heat distribution. Everything heats up quickly and keeps the same pace. That limits hot spots, prevents unnecessary burning and gives you more control over your meals.
A Lot for a Little
Another big call of the T-Fal Ultimate is its price. Many premium cookware sets, while effective, are quite expensive. Though spending that extra money can be worthwhile in certain circ*mstances, the T-Fal Ultimate proves you don’t need to shell out a lot to get something useful.
This cookware retails for much less than similar sets and does so without sacrificing any features. While many people equate cheap with low quality, that could not be further from the truth here.
Every Pot You Would Ever Need
Few sets can match the T-Fal Ultimate‘s affordability-to-feature ratio. Though it’s easy to get spooked by the low price, you’re paying for quality through and through. Every feature works as intended, and the special anodized aluminum is incredibly strong. The set is also dishwasher safe and has a limited lifetime warranty.
If you liked this post, you might also be interested in our Rachael Ray Hard-Anodized Cookware — Review.
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